EvidenceBasedReason

My question is; If using the same two aldehyde's (CH3CH2CHO) for both alpha substitution and condensation reactions I always get the same end product, basically a Beta-hydroxy aldehyde. Is the only difference in these reactions simply the base used to deprotonate? I get that you need a full equivalent of something fairly strong such as Na+OEt- for the alpha and a catalytic amount of something fairly week such as -OH for the condensation. Is that all it is, or is there some fundamental flaw in my reaction mechanism?

Hello everyone, apparently your supposed to introduce your self as a new member so; Hi, I'm a newbee I have just finished my second year of a Bachelors degree in Forensic Chemistry at University of Glamorgan in South-Wales, UK. I am taking a sandwich year before my final year of study and shortly start work with the public analyst division of an analytical chemistry testing laboratory as part of my degree, which I must admit, I'm very nervous of but equally excited! But as I would like to go on to do an MSc in analytical chemistry then on to an MchemA this seems a very appropriate place to start my expedition of the sciences. Having said that I'd like to try my hand at biochem as well - so wish I started learning at an earlier age! I have a passion for chemistry, biology and physics. I won't pretend that I'm good at physics but I do enjoy reading up on the subject, especially as most chemistry laws are derived from physics principles, I won't pretend I understand much of it, but it's a challenge which I enjoy. I also have a passion for biology and enjoy reading up on evolutionary topics. My main passion is chemistry, but, the more I seem to learn the less it seems that I actually do know! Any how, that's a good little ramble. Speak to you all soon....